Sun Microsystems delivered a beta release of its Java Store Dec. 11 with a new
look and feel and new account and payment options.
"The Java Store is a consumer-focused storefront for distributing Java
applications. The Java Store lets consumers discover and safely acquire
community-provided applications," Sun said on its Website.
In an e-mail to developers participating in the Java Store Beta Program, Sun
listed three new features in the Java Store:
"· New
user interface—the latest release of the Java Store Beta delivers an enhanced
look-and-feel and easier navigation.
· Create a Java Store account—account
creation enables customization of your Java Store experience, among other
benefits.
· Payment—you can buy applications
in the Java Store. Purchases can be made using PayPal. The Simplified Payment
option makes buying a quick and easy experience."
Sun described the Java Store on its Website as, "a JavaFX-powered
storefront that provides an easy and secure means of discovering and acquiring compelling
Java and JavaFX applications. Social networking, games, productivity tools and
business applications are examples of what you can download from the Java
Store. This easy-to-use storefront is free, and is available for U.S.
residents, as part of the Java Store Beta Program."
The Java Store features a "Preview" capability that allows users
to "test-drive applications before making a purchase decision. Downloading
applications from the Java Store is also simple and easy thanks to the power of
Java—simply drag and drop from the Java Store to your computer's desktop and
the application is installed," Sun said.
On the Java Warehouse Website, Sun said, "The Java Warehouse is the
repository for Java applications submitted by developers for distribution through
the Java Store to hundreds of millions of desktops worldwide."
Sun also said, "The Java Warehouse is initially targeted at Java and
JavaFX applications meant to run on the desktop with initial distribution
through the Java Store. In the future, we plan to further stock the Java
Warehouse with applications meant for mobile, TV and cross-screen applications.
Future storefronts customized from the Java Store are planned to become
available through partnerships, allowing for increased distribution of
applications."
In addition, Sun said, "Applications posted on the Java Warehouse for
inclusion in the Java Store can be either free or priced between $1.99 and $200.
... Developers are charged an annual membership fee of $50. There is no extra
fee for submitting applications."
In an interview
with eWEEK in June, James Gosling, the creator of the Java language
and champion of Sun's Java Store, said if the Java Store realizes its potential
it will make the Apple's App Store look like a "rounding error."
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